Learning grammar can be a daunting task for many students. Understanding how words fit together and how language expresses relationships can be challenging, especially when trying to follow strict rules. However, learning through real-life situations and contexts can make it easier to comprehend and retain language skills. In this article, we will discuss why it is better to learn grammar through situations and how it can benefit your language learning journey.
Understanding Native Speakers' Instincts
Grammar rules may vary from language to language, and there is no particular reason why a language uses one way of expressing something over another. Native speakers know how to use language instinctively without the need for rules. When students ask why a particular grammar rule exists, the answer is often that it just sounds right. Therefore, the best way to learn grammar is to directly associate meaning and the necessary linguistic form.
The Benefits of Learning Through Situations
Learning grammar through situations offers a more effective way of understanding language as it enables you to associate the language with real-life scenarios. In a classroom setting, teachers can use objects such as Cuisenaire rods or pictures to help students describe spatial relationships, make requests, or talk about temporal relationships using the clock or the calendar. By seeing the objects in front of them, students can associate the language with the meaning and context of the situation.
The Approach
The approach is straightforward: a teacher sets up an arrangement of objects, gets the class to perform a set of actions, or displays a picture or calendar to the class. Something simple and clear that everyone can see and understand and which contains the meaning for which we are going to find linguistic forms. Then, a student launches a sentence about what is in front of them, and the class works on that sentence together. The teacher helps the student adjust their sentence until it accurately reflects the situation and is grammatically correct.
The Benefits of This Approach
The benefits of this approach are numerous. Firstly, students learn the language by directly associating it with meaning and context, which can help them to understand the language better. Secondly, they learn through experience rather than rules, which can make it easier to understand and remember. Finally, this approach promotes collaboration and interaction between students, which can help them to feel more comfortable and confident when speaking the language.
In conclusion, learning grammar through situations is an effective way to comprehend and retain language skills. By using real-life scenarios, students can associate the language with the meaning and context, making it easier to understand and remember. Additionally, this approach promotes collaboration and interaction between students, making it a more enjoyable and rewarding learning experience. So next time you are struggling with grammar, try learning through situations and see how it can help you improve your language skills.